Advertisement

All Blacks beat Italy in flanker Cane's farewell

Sam Cane playing for New Zealand against Italy
Sam Cane ended his New Zealand career with 104 caps [Getty Images]

Italy 11 (6)

Tries: Menoncello Pens: Garbisi (2)

New Zealand 29 (17)

Tries: Roigard, Jordan, Telea, B Barrett Cons: B Barrett (3) Pens: B Barrett

New Zealand recorded an 18th consecutive win against Italy to wrap up their autumn series on flanker Sam Cane's final appearance for the All Blacks.

But the lacklustre visitors had to fight for their 29-11 victory in Turin.

Italy started better and Paolo Garbisi's penalties gave them a 6-3 lead before Cam Roigard and Will Jordan went over for New Zealand, with Beauden Barrett converting both to give the visitors a 17-6 half-time lead.

Italy started the second period stronger too, but were unable to find a score before a Mark Tele'a try increased the visitors' lead.

Tommaso Menoncello managed to go over for Italy late on, but New Zealand responded almost immediately with a Beauden Barrett try to seal victory.

Cane was given a standing ovation when he was substituted after 67 minutes to bring an end to his international career after 104 caps.

The 32-year-old was part of New Zealand's Rugby World Cup-winning team in 2015 and captained the side when they reached the final at last year's tournament in France, losing to South Africa.